The Tradition Continues....

Friday 29^th September 2017

Below Stoke Bruerne Locks to Above SB Locks

1 mile, 7 locks

First thing this morning when Chris was out with Monty and I was in the shower we got 'strimmed'.

A leisurely start for us today as we were expecting guests.  First an unexpected visitor wandered past - Luna aged just 10 weeks

Monty was not sure what to make of her,

but he was very gentle

So who were these visitors?  This is Tentatrice's fifth sailing season and in each one Sue and Ken from nb Cleddau have either spent time on board with us (2013) or cruised with us (2014, 2015 and 2016), so it would have been sad to break with tradition and I am delighted to say that a last minute plan was hatched.  They would meet us below the locks, help us up and stay overnight.

Extra lock hands are always welcome

Their car was parked by the second lock, so a brief stop was made to load up our Tesco shop (many thanks for that) and their overnight bags before we went on our way.

Some of the old side ponds on this flight have been turned into dipping ponds

Progress was swift - actually I have no idea how long it took us as time always flies past when you are in good company.

After the fifth lock we came across this family - there are actually eight cygnets, but one was camera shy

A lady with food was spotted - I was a little late with the camera, but the noise as they took off and then landed was quite impressive.

As we approached the last lock a boat emerged

and in no time at all we were in the last lock of the day 

and we had arrived in Stoke Bruerne - an attractive village that owes its existence to the canal.

We secured a good mooring and settled down to have a late lunch - courtesy of Mr Tesco

We had met Kathryn, who some of you boaters may know, at the last lock and she popped along after our lunch to join us for a cup of tea and slice of cake - the first I have made on this trip!  I had conversed on line with Kathryn as she recovered from breaking her hip, so it was good to meet her in the flesh, so to speak.  I am delighted to say the hip is fine, even to the extent of being able to hop.

Sue, Monty and I walked back down the locks to collect their car. The four of us spent the evening enjoying a very good meal in Woodwards across the canal.  Coffee and nightcap back on board and a lot more chat, before preparing the boat for overnight visitors.